Mantra: Keep it short and simple (KISS)
Know your audience before the talk so research the team before you reach the interview room. What level of information to give out depends on whom are you talking to in the audience. Remember it’s not a project presentation, you need to showcase your potential, not your work. Minimum slides with the maximum take home messages. Ample of time for questions should be kept; Sometimes you might be on your 10th slide, and it’s a wrap-up. So the focus is how much you know and how good you present your skills. The things that people look for in your presentation are:
-how clear you are in your expression?
-how can you simplify your research findings?,
-how well you defend the questioners?
-how knowledgeable are you in your field of expertise?
-Practice your slides well…either in front of a mirror or with your spouse, or with your neighbors, …. anyone who can make you feel confident. More you practice more you will realize how to pitch your tone.
-No fancy colors, especially remember people might have color blindness so no red n blue highlights.
-If it’s a 15 min talk, then make 4-5 slides for a total of 7 minutes of presentation. If it’s a 60 min presentation, then 12-15 slides with 40-45 min talk time should be aimed.
Things to keep in mind:
-You know your work the best, but if there are experts, they will grill more.
-If you feel your audience is lost, then simplify your talk.
-Don’t read from slides EVER. Make it pictorial graphs models whatever
-Make the slides graphic; that is there should be ample graphs, models whatever that makes the presentation look jazzy. Look at everyone in the room during your talk
-Look at everyone in the room during your talk
-Have a smile as you go through the talk
Also, if someone asks you a question after you have replied, ask them if it’s ok to move ahead ( one of the most underpaid but potent courtesy that people love and appreciate ).
Summarize you work regarding projects or papers. Keep the flow of the story straightforward and neat.
If you are a Postdoc, do include your Ph.D. work too for a slide or two.
During my interview, at the end of my presentation, I had a slide saying why I was the best fit for the job and I remember everyone bursting out in laughter. The VP of my current company burst out in laughter saying “you did a good job and you don’t need this slide.” On a lighter note, it showcased how my talent matched with their need. Carry a pointer, but don’t shake it all across the screen. Remember they are there to give you a job and presentation is your best bet to reach the top slot, so just present smartly 🙂
Smita Salian-Mehta is currently a senior scientist at Abbvie (Chicago). She finished her Masters in Microbiology and followed it up with a PhD in Biochemistry (specialization in reproductive toxicology) from National institute for research in Reproductive health(ICMR) Mumbai. She moved to a post doctoral position in neuroendocrinology at the University of Colorado before joining Abbvie in 2015. Smita loves to write fictional stories especially fan fiction and have ardent fan following that eagerly waits for her next stories.
